Olympic Gold Medalists Jade Carey and Jordan Chiles Make Unexpected Return to School

What’s next for Team USA’s champion women’s gymnastics team? For at least two members, it’s back to textbooks and tests.

PARIS, France — Gold-medal-winning Olympic gymnasts Jordan Chiles and Jade Carey are heading back to school.

Chiles and Carey, both integral members of the “Golden Girls” squad led by Simone Biles that soared to gold in Paris last week, have announced their return to college. Chiles will be resuming her studies at UCLA, while Carey will be heading back to Oregon State University.

Carey, who added a bronze on vault to bring her Olympic medal tally to three, made her announcement on Wednesday upon her return to Corvallis, Oregon. Chiles, who earned a bronze in the floor exercise on Monday, is set to continue her academic and athletic journey at UCLA.

Carey has one year of eligibility remaining, whereas Chiles, who redshirted last season to prepare for the Olympics, has two years left. Both athletes have highlighted the importance of the college environment to their growth. Carey cited her comfort competing for the Beavers as a key factor in her decision to juggle school and Olympic preparation.

Chiles shared with The Associated Press earlier this year that taking a break from school was challenging but crucial for her Olympic training. Nevertheless, she emphasized her efforts to stay connected with her college program during her hiatus.